On Monday, tragedy struck at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Zoological Garden in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, when a nine-year-old male lion fatally attacked Veterinary Technologist Mr. Olabode Olawuyi.
According to a statement released by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju, Mr. Olawuyi, who had been overseeing the Zoological Garden for more than a decade, was attacked while feeding the wild animals in their enclosure.
According to the university spokesman, the other staff members present at the scene of the incident made every effort to rescue their colleague. However, the wild animal had already inflicted severe injuries on the deceased, rendering the rescue attempt futile.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, who led the institution’s management team for an on-the-spot assessment, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
The statement highlighted that upon arrival, the Vice Chancellor was briefed by the Acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre, Dr. Tirimisiyu Olatunji, stating that all first aid and medical efforts to save the victim’s life proved unsuccessful.
Since the occurrence, the management, staff, students, and the entire university community have been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of the veterinary technologist.
The OAU PRO added that following the tragic incident, the aggressive lion was immediately euthanised to prevent further harm or danger.
According to him, Mr. Olawuyi had been caring for the lions since they were born on campus about nine years ago. However, tragically, the male lion attacked and killed the man who had been feeding them.
“The university management has dispatched a delegation to the widow and children of the deceased, urging them to find solace in God, who gives life and also has the power to take life,” the statement concluded.